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How to help my 9 year old play on her own more?

5 replies

Mommy2daisy · 06/08/2020 15:31

Help!
I'm really struggling to help my Daughter who has just turned 9 to play on her own. She is an only child and won't do anything but watch TV unless I'm there. Would love some advice 🙏🏻❣

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MyGodImSoYoung · 06/08/2020 16:14

This is an issue that we are experiencing with my DP's daughter. She has always relied on her parents to play with her (although she does have older siblings), and was relying on me to do the same.

I recently told her and DP that I am happy to play minecraft, etc. with her, but that I can't spend my whole afternoon playing schools or mums & dads, as I have other things I need to get on with. DP has also decided to do the same thing.

We try to get her out to the park to play, but she definitely watches more YouTube that should be healthy.

What kind of toys does your DD have? Mine has dolls that she seems happy to play with on her own, to a degree, but when I suggested that she sets her teddies up as students and she is the teacher, she thought I was ridiculous!!

My own DM used to 'set up' the games for me, and that would help me to play on my own. For example, I loved my Sylvanian Families, so should would spend at most ten minutes setting up the characters, and I could basically continue with what she had created. May be worth a go.. xx

Mommy2daisy · 06/08/2020 16:35

She has just sold all her Our Generation dolls and LOL dolls as she doesn't play with them. She likes reading, but will only do that at night to relax her. She has an ipad and switch and i try take her to the park everyday and walk the dog.

I'm sure that lockdown has made things worse and highlighted it more.
She will colour in whilst she watches TV or if I'm there.

I have talked to her and said that mummy can't always play but will when and as often as i can and that its ok to do things on your own as I'm in the house and she is not alone.

She has lego and drums and guitar she enjoys crafting too.

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Mommy2daisy · 10/08/2020 09:44

I did try giving her a few tasks to do yesterday whilst i was out and that seemed to keep her occupied. And tried to set up things as you suggested and that has helped too.
Am sure we will get there. I appreciate your response x

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BlueChampagne · 11/08/2020 12:51

Colouring, drawing, writing stories?
Activities with simple instructions such as Lego?
Jigsaws?
Dusting?
Help with cooking?

Mommy2daisy · 24/08/2020 09:35

Thank you for your ideas, its been really helpful 😊

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